Just a thought, but... do we really need to have 7-somes on the course? Can we go back to the method we used last year where the extra singles people played on a card with others from other teams? I mean... I was able to update my Facebook and check sports scores... during the 20 minute wait on each hole... and that is fun and all... but I would rather golf more.

Yeah, I'm embarassed that we had a group of 7-8 players each round.
If all the eighth players who can play don't fit on the course with only foursomes then none of them can play. This is pretty ridiculous...

Note to Jordan: More is not better.

Either one of you are MORE THAN WELCOME to come up to the TD table and make this happen. If your time off in the parking lot or warming up on the course is more important than fixing this travesty of justice and you'd just rather whine and complain about it, then it is what it is. BE the change you want to see...

PS Funny how we got done early even with this travesty of justice...

Hath this whole world been mired in madness?
Remain ye men of faculty complete,
Of full arithmetic and prudence fair,
Attending to our noble bond and contract?
Or does here stand the last remaining man
To give a fig for rules and order yet,
No noble savage, but a stave unbroken
Who loves the law and bids it no misdeed.
Iíll not be bent to lawlessness. Mark it nought, if we be men of honour.

Comment

I can say that all of us Darkhorses would much rather play in an 8some as opposed to sitting a round, especially after making the trek out to some of the farther courses like Sorosis.

Question for other players or captains: Will you consider sitting out the bonus match altogether if you have the "extra" players at the course but get the lineup card and don't like the matchup?

Perhaps we were lucky this week that Zimmerman and Griplok agreed up front that they would also play all 8 players during both rounds (thanks Dave and/or you are welcome. I do not look forward to picking who we will list in those optional slots knowing that they will have to wait and see and let the other team decide whether they play. Yes I will put my name there as much as possible but it would still stink.

Comment

Either one of you are MORE THAN WELCOME to come up to the TD table and make this happen. If your time off in the parking lot or warming up on the course is more important than fixing this travesty of justice and you'd just rather whine and complain about it, then it is what it is. BE the change you want to see...

PS Funny how we got done early even with this travesty of justice...

I too was concerned about speed of play in the beginning. But the two sets of doubles (8-people on one tee pad) actually seemed to move faster then 4-singles. Playing the best shot, and picking up the bad one moves pretty quick against; Crap, how do I get out of this shot?

We Started at 9:02am and 1:02pm. I had Finished, scores in, chatted with everyone, took a bathroom break at the gas station, and driving west by 4:30pm.

IMHO: I do think I am a fan of 7-person teams. It seems to flow nicely, keeps the people per tee pad down, and gives you more flexibility to avoid forcing everyone to play 1-singles and 1-dubs. Currently, if both teams field 8 people, each player plays 1-dubs and 1-singles per day. Though the 8-people playing Dubs moves quickly, it is embarrassing to me to have 8 on a pad. I feel it is bad golf etiquette, but unavoidable in this configuration.

Comment

I played in an 8-some doubles card in the morning, and we were moving fairly quickly. This was possible because of the short relatively easy course and excellent weather; not to mention very skilled players. This will become a problem once the weather changes and we begin to play longer more difficult courses. The only solution is to ghost the extra players (if we have a full 80 playing) or fill in the gaps with the extras.
As for Mr. Lund's question concerning sitting out people if the match-up is unfavorable. I would be inclined to do it if it was obvious and could cost us the match. But this will vary from week to week and course to course. But if the ability to do so exsists and other teams are taking advantage of this strategy then it would be foolish to not examine this as an option.

Solution: No groups larger than a foursome = use up to two ghost groups if need be.

While ghost groups will inevitably slow the play some, the slowdowns are distributed across the course, so that no wait is ever very long, and no huge gaps of open holes develop. I think ghost groups will produce a smoother flow of play than will groups larger than four players.

If you start your ghost groups on short easy holes that follow long difficult holes, then the slowdown is minimal. Also, start the ghost groups well apart from each other.

How will I help as opposed to just taking pot shots? I will be more than happy to assist in filling out score cards, designating starting hole assignments, etc. See you at the next CSL!

Solution: No groups larger than a foursome = use up to two ghost groups if need be.

While ghost groups will inevitably slow the play some, the slowdowns are distributed across the course, so that no wait is ever very long, and no huge gaps of open holes develop. I think ghost groups will produce a smoother flow of play than will groups larger than four players.

If you start your ghost groups on short easy holes that follow long difficult holes, then the slowdown is minimal. Also, start the ghost groups well apart from each other.

How will I help as opposed to just taking pot shots? I will be more than happy to assist in filling out score cards, designating starting hole assignments, etc. See you at the next CSL!

I will fully stand behind this. 6 people to a pad for myself is not a fond thought
either ghost groups or have mixed teams playing singles matches.